If your loved one has had a fall, is recovering from a recent surgery, or has developed a chronic illness, they may need skilled medical care on a daily basis. You may be wondering if or how your loved one can continue to live at home despite these new requirements. Nurses in home health care can provide essential medical care on a one-to-one basis, allowing your loved one to continue living in the comfort of their familiar home environment.
Types of in-home health care nurses
While home health care may be provided by a variety of medical professionals, nurses for home health care have typically earned one of three common nursing credentials.
These include the following types of nurses, as described by Sarah Jividen, RN, BSN, for nurse.org:
- Registered nurses (RNs). These nurses typically hold an Associate Degree in nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN). RNs must also pass the NCLEX-RN, a type of licensing exam.
- Licensed practical nurses (LPNs). Similar to RNs, LPNs must pass the NCLEX-PN licensing exam to receive their credential. They also complete a one-year program, which is usually through a community college or technical school.
- Certified nursing assistants (CNAs). CNAs work under the guidance of an LPN or RN. In most states, these caregivers complete a four- to twelve-week program and pass a certification exam.
In some states, you may see LPNs referred to as licensed vocational nurses (LVNs). CNAs may also be referred to as home health aides (HHAs) at some home health agencies.
It’s important to understand that nurses with more education and higher-level credentials may be able to handle more complex medical care. You should also consider their years of experience in home health care.
State laws may guide which types of nurses may handle specific medical tasks, such as administering insulin. You should be realistic about the type of medical support that your loved one needs when deciding which type of home health care nurse to hire. You want someone who can offer the level of care that your loved one needs to be healthy and comfortable.
What does a home health care nurse help with?
At its core, nursing blends art and science into a cohesive effort to help and heal people, according to the American Nurses Association (ANA). A nurse in home health care typically uses a patient-centered approach to care. The home health care nurse job description calls for a high level of emotional intelligence, a passion for maintaining human dignity, and a knack for providing medical expertise with compassion.
The different levels of education and credentials influence the type of services that in-home health care nurses can provide.
RNs may handle any of the following tasks, according to the ANA:
- Administering medications
- Assisting with personalized medical interventions
- Coordinating care with other medical professionals
- Offering health education and promoting wellness habits
LPNs and LVNs may work under the supervision of an RN. They typically handle more basic tasks, according to the ANA, including the following:
- Monitoring overall health for signs of improvement or deterioration
- Assisting with simpler medical tasks, such as changing bandages
- Encouraging clients to maintain healthy eating and hydration habits
- Administering some medications, which may vary by local regulations and laws
CNAs typically work under the supervision of an LPN, LVN, or RN. CNAs may assist with medical tasks and personal care tasks, according to nurse.org. Some examples include the following:
- Tracking food and fluid intake along with other vital information
- Helping a client use the restroom or complete elimination
- Repositioning a client or helping a client navigate their home
- Assisting a client with self-care activities, including bathing, shaving, brushing teeth, and more
Who benefits from having home health care?
Older adults, chronically ill people, and people with disabilities can benefit from home health nurse care in certain situations.
If your loved one is dealing with a temporary situation, such as recovering from a fall or recuperating from hip surgery, a home health nurse can assist them with healing and returning to their regular activities.
However, if your loved one is facing a decline in overall health from a chronic illness, such as multiple sclerosis, or if they’re living with a permanent disability, a home health nurse can provide them with the ongoing support they need to remain at home for as long as possible.
It should be noted that family caregivers can also benefit from home health nurses. As a caregiver, you need to prioritize your own health and well-being, too. A home health nurse may be able to step in as a form of respite care for your loved one.
How much does a home health nurse cost?
The national hourly median cost of a home health aide was $27 in 2021, according to the Genworth Cost of Care Survey. While this can give you a ballpark estimate, it’s important to note that rates vary greatly based on medical needs, hours required, location, the home health nurse’s qualifications, and more. Nurses with higher-level credentials and education typically receive higher wages, which in turn raises the rates that home health care agencies charge for their services.
How can someone pay for a home health nurse?
Since home health care is usually ordered by one’s doctor or medical care team, the costs can often be covered by health insurance. If your loved one is on Medicare, they’ll need to closely review their plan to understand the coverage available for home health care.
If your loved one is a veteran and enrolled in VA health care through the Department of Veterans Affairs, they may be able to receive coverage for home health care services.
However, if you’re seeking a home health nurse to assist your loved one with activities of daily living, you’ll likely have to pay out of pocket for these services.
How do you know if a home health nurse is a good fit?
Look for individuals who excel in the areas of empathy, communication, collaboration, and flexibility, as these are desirable traits in home health nurses, according to NurseJournal.
However, you’re the expert when it comes to your loved one. You know them the best and what traits will complement their personality and unique needs.
How to hire a nurse for home care
There are two main ways to hire a home care nurse: you can choose to go through a home health care agency or find an independent home health nurse on your own.
A home health care agency typically handles things like taxes, payroll, employment issues, insurance, and more as part of their services. The agency also screens its employees and verifies their credentials for you.
If you choose to find an independent home health nurse, you’ll be responsible for providing a safe working environment, following all employment laws, filing taxes, and handling any other tasks that may be required by applicable federal, state, and local laws. You’ll have to determine an individual’s fitness for the job and assess their performance on your own. However, hiring an independent home health care nurse may allow for more flexible arrangements.
Reviewed by Amanda Lundberg, RN.
Sources:
Nurse Levels and Ranks Explained (https://nurse.org/education/nursing-hierarchy-guide/)
What is Nursing? (https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/workforce/what-is-nursing/)
Nurse.org Career Guide Series: Certified Nursing Assistant (https://nurse.org/resources/certified-nursing-assistant-cna/)
Genworth 2021 Cost of Care Survey (https://www.genworth.com/aging-and-you/finances/cost-of-care.html)
Home Health Nurse Career Overview (https://nursejournal.org/careers/home-healthcare-nurse/#career-outlook)